Articles on: Checkout

Checkout Header Upsells - When & How to Use Them

What Are Checkout Header Upsells?


Checkout Header upsells are banner-style offers at the top of checkout showing 1-2 impulse products. Non-blocking, high-visibility, mobile-friendly.


Checkout Header vs. Standard Upsells


Use Checkout Header for: Quick impulse adds, gift wrap, batteries, cables, screen protectors, warranty extensions, expedited shipping. Works on all Shopify plans.


Use Standard Upsells for: Premium products, bundles needing explanation, multiple complementary items. Requires Shopify Plus.


Best Products for Checkout Header


  • Gift wrapping ($3-$10)
  • Batteries, cables, USB items ($5-$15)
  • Socks or basics ($10-$20)
  • Screen protectors ($5-$15)
  • Warranty extensions ($20-$50)
  • Expedited shipping upgrades


DO NOT use for: High-priced items, products needing detailed images, luxury goods, or items requiring size/color selection.


Setup Steps


In UpsellPlus Dashboard:


  1. Create New Offer -> Select "Checkout Header" type (critical: not "Checkout Upsell")
  2. Configure Products: Add 1-2 products manually or use Autopilot (set max 1-2 products)
  3. Content Tab:
  • Title: 2-4 words max (e.g., "Add Gift Wrap?")
  • Subtitle: Optional, 1 line only
  • Button text: "Add", "Yes, Add Gift Wrap", or "Yes, Add ($5)"
  1. Conditions: Set Smart Rules (e.g., show only if cart under $50, only to new customers)
  2. Enable offer


In Shopify Admin:


  1. Settings -> Checkout -> Checkout Editor
  2. Add UpsellPlus app block to top of checkout
  3. Select your Checkout Header offer
  4. Save


Critical: Offer won't appear without adding app block to Checkout Editor.


Test Before Launch:


  • Mobile and desktop
  • Button adds product to order
  • Offer appears at checkout page top
  • Title doesn't truncate
  • Button tap size adequate (48x48px minimum)


Design Constraints


  • Height: Desktop 100-120px, mobile flexible but minimal
  • Text: 1-line title max, optional 1-line subtitle, 1-2 word callout
  • Images: Thumbnails 50x50px or smaller, high contrast
  • Load time: Under 1 second


Mobile Considerations


  • Full-width banner at all sizes
  • Desktop: Image left, text right
  • Mobile: Vertical stacking (image above text)
  • Use high-DPI images (2x resolution)
  • Ensure 48x48px minimum button size
  • Shorten titles to 2-3 words


Copy Best Practices


Value must be clear immediately:

  • Weak: "Gift Wrap Option Available"
  • Strong: "Add Gift Wrap ($5)?"


Use benefit language:

  • "Make it a Perfect Gift" (better than "Add Gift Wrap")
  • "Protect Your Investment" (better than "Extended Warranty")


Keep conversational: "Add a case to protect it?" instead of formal language.


Timing & Frequency


  • Show immediately when checkout loads (highest attention moment)
  • Don't repeat same offer to returning customers; rotate products
  • Test frequency: Always, sometimes, or specific days depending on inventory/campaign
  • Works on all cart values (good for add-ons even on high-value carts)


Conversion Optimization


Test these variations:

  • Button text: "Add", "Yes, Add Gift Wrap", "Yes, Add ($5)"
  • Product combinations: Single item vs. bundles
  • Callout text: None, "FREE", "LIMITED TIME", "$5 OFF"
  • Button colors: Contrasting, urgency colors (orange/red), trust colors (green/blue)


Typical conversion rates:

  • Consumables/impulse: 3-8%
  • Add-ons with clear value: 5-12%
  • Optional/nice-to-have: 1-3%


If below these ranges, test different products.


Using Both Checkout Header + Standard Upsells


You can use both simultaneously (Shopify Plus only):

  • Header: Low-value add-ons ($5-$20)
  • Standard: Higher-value upsells ($25+)
  • Don't offer same product in both
  • Use Exclusions tab to prevent conflicts
  • Run A/B tests to measure combined revenue impact


Troubleshooting


Offer not appearing?

  • Verify "Checkout Header" type selected in UpsellPlus
  • Check app block is added to Checkout Editor in Shopify
  • Verify offer is enabled and within schedule dates
  • Clear browser cache and test again


Button not adding product?

  • Check product in stock (no variants required)
  • Verify no Smart Rules block the add
  • Test in incognito mode
  • Check browser console for errors


Title truncating on mobile?

  • Use 2-3 words maximum
  • Remove subtitle
  • Test on actual mobile device


Low conversion?

  • Try different product (is it truly impulse?)
  • Revise copy (is value clear?)
  • Test stronger button text
  • Review pricing (too expensive?)
  • Check Smart Rules aren't limiting audience


Pre-Launch Checklist


  • [ ] Offer type: "Checkout Header"
  • [ ] Product: Impulse-friendly, in stock
  • [ ] Title: 2-4 words max
  • [ ] Button: Compelling text, not just "Add"
  • [ ] Added to Checkout Editor in Shopify
  • [ ] Tested mobile + desktop
  • [ ] Button: 48x48px minimum
  • [ ] Smart Rules: Configured
  • [ ] Schedule: Dates accurate
  • [ ] Images: Load quickly
  • [ ] Tracking: Enabled

Updated on: 12/02/2026

Was this article helpful?

Share your feedback

Cancel

Thank you!